Rangely council denies preliminary liquor license for California Walk LLC

The Rangely Town Council voted to deny a preliminary liquor license application for California Walk LLC, which sought a hotel and restaurant license for 321 East Maine (units 5 and 6). The denial motion was made by Councilmember Todd Thane and seconded by Robbie; the motion carried by voice vote.

At a public hearing, California Walk representatives — including Kelly Clark and Lisa — described plans to operate roughly 3 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, and said the owner, Johnny, would remain the LLC member while his son would manage day-to-day operations. Kelly Clark told the council she believed Johnny “has a great moral character” and outlined steps to meet code, including secure liquor storage, gates between the restaurant and an adjacent liquor retailer, and state-required server and manager certifications.

Town licensing staff reported the application was filed Aug. 5, 2025, and said fingerprinting issues cited in the packet had been resolved. The licensing agent also noted practical inspection concerns observed on site, including at least one open container found in the kitchen during inspection, and that some application fields were blank; an FBI/CJIS report was obtained but not included in the public packet to protect personal data.

Council members repeatedly acknowledged Johnny’s community contributions but said the application as submitted left the town exposed to liability if the listed owner were present and impaired while serving alcohol. Several council members urged the applicant to return with the son or a certified manager explicitly named on the LLC, or to add a certified manager on the LLC, so the town could rely on who would have direct control of service operations.

Council discussed whether the denial letter should include recommendations; staff said a denial letter explaining reasons and suggesting next steps would be provided and that the town could refund the applicant’s state check (the applicant had not cashed the state fee check). The council’s denial ends the local approval step; the state license process follows local action.

The council recorded the motion to deny (mover: Todd Thane; second: Robbie). The motion carried by voice vote. The council encouraged the applicants to address the inspection items, list a certified manager or the son on the LLC, and return for reconsideration.

What happens next: the council will provide a denial letter explaining reasons and suggestions for reapplication; the applicant may revise the LLC membership or management plan and reapply locally before seeking state approval.